Dual Diagnosis

In this podcast, Michael Karras will frankly share with you his struggles and successes as a student, linked in part to his learning disability (LD) and ADHD, but also due to the type of teaching he received.

Without appropriate accommodations, students with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) may find themselves at a disadvantage. If these students are then asked to “try harder”, despite making an effort that may already be above and beyond what is expected or necessary for their peers, they may develop anxiety and low self-esteem related to their difficulty in learning.

Written by Cindy Perras, M.Ed., OCT Educational Consultant, LDAO Overview and Definition Students who are gifted, and who have learning disabilities, may be “exceptionally” difficult to identify: their learning disabilities may “hide” their giftedness and their giftedness may “hide” their learning disabilities. This means that their needs in both areas may not be addressed appropriately. [...]

ADHD and learning disabilities (LDs) are not the same thing, although there are similarities. ADHD can impact learning and behaviour and according to the National Center for Learning Disabilities (NCLD), approximately one-third of individuals with LDs have ADHD too, which causes confusion for teachers, parents and students. Both ADHD and LDs are neurological disorders affecting how the brain receives and processes information; however, with respect to treatment, ADHD is often treated with medication and therapy, and LDs with educational and behavioural approaches.